“Life”

 

Calling this piece “Life. Life is a positive and challenging experience so hopefully, I captured that feeling.

My last piece was a bit somber so I decided I wanted to do something a bit more positive this time. So this is it. Enjoy!

Having fun!

 

Sometimes cute is enough. These are ACEO cards I paint to sell on EBAY. They take me probably 45 minutes each and I do not make a lot of money off them BUT I am developing collectors.(at least that is what I tell myself) So, it is all good.  They are created without purpose and no beginning plan. I think that is why they come out so fun. They really are a great exercise for me…I teach myself a lot as I do them.

Generations

 

Not sure how I feel about this piece-which is ‘artist speak’ for this did not come out as expected but it is done. there is a lot of character in the faces but it is too sweet?, too generic?, too something! Chalk it up to the journey and we will see what happens next. Di

The Three Sisters

 

This piece is part of my new series which I am calling ‘Unbleached’ because of the use of the pigment Unbleached titanium used in all of them as the background color.  All the pieces are painted with a raw approach searching for a feeling rather than realism. Hopefully, the images will engage the viewers.

The spheres are spirit/life and all my characters revere and guard/protect its force.  

Your way, My way

 

Just finished this piece.  The jury is still out on it. I think I really like it but it is a bit somber. The title, “Your way, My way,” just popped into my mind. I am not sure why but it did. So for now that is the title.

Lately, I have been doing small/average size pieces but this one is 30x40, so it’s a decent size piece.  They seem more important when they are larger.

Onward….

Several titles in mind…..

 

She is definitely putting the stop to something…last time I named a painting too soon and one of my followers came out with a better suggestion. So this time I am going to wait for a bit before settling on a title.

Am not sure she will fit like I want in the new series but she wanted to be here. Sometimes paintings have a mind of their own!

So far-a series of two!

I love exploratory painting because there is no right or wrong.  And when creating a new series it is interesting which symbols from your repertoire you conjure up from your past. I love circles/spheres because, for me, they are harmony and spiritual awareness.

As always my paintings tend to create thought and discussion….really would like to do a large one of these…and I am sure I will.
 

Searching

It is so hard to create new habits. I just finished my fourth ‘getting looser’ piece and I find myself reverting to my love of form….and using my older perspective. That is not all bad if I continue to lengthen the stretch and I will!  I think my goal is 20 pieces and then a serious critique and refinement of where I am heading. 

The title of the new piece is ‘the dreamwalker’.

 

“The princess bird walker”

 She does have a title! And a certain questionable charm!

Small 8”x8”

 Continuing in the ‘pursuit of looseness’.  Looking for that feeling/intensity of being.  No title yet.

The boys club…

 

So…I feel/felt like my last series was too ‘tight’.  This year is going to-be about loosening up.  It is a hard path to figure out where the line of perfection is for each individual artist. I suspect I will have to ruin a couple thousand paintings (a little drama but true) before I can arrive at my somewhat unknown destination. How finished or unfinished , how raw, how objectified, who knows??? I just know my journey is not over yet.  So, here I go again….

Singing to the city night….

 

Fourth small piece (9x12) for the ‘Behold the Night’ series to be shown this June.  I always try to have some smaller pieces for smaller pocketbooks.  Not everyone has the place for or purse strings for the larger works.  I guess it is tacky to discuss such things but reality exists.

I really like the mood of this piece. Have not named it yet..I hate trying to come up with clever names. Some pieces name themselves and some not so much!  The titles tend to get redundant especially when doing a themed series.

Back to work…hello and then goodbye.

Showing in the communities…

 Haven’t posted in a while. Had COVID despite getting boosters etc. I am back to normal finally and getting back to doing arty thangs! Today, I went and hung 9 paintings in the Etowah Carnegie Library in Etowah, Tn.  My local art guild rotates solo artists and their artwork through our 5 surrounding counties. It benefits our public spaces and as artists, we do love our art on display as opposed to sitting in our studio spaces.

Hopefully, I will be posting more in the near future…d

Collectible Art Blocks

 

My Art Blocks can now be found at Sweetwater Market at the Mill, in Sweetwater, TN and at Fullers Frame and Gallery in Athens, TN. There is also an ever growing selection onEbay. On EBay just search Difergi to find them.  

These are small (2 1/2 x 3 1/2”) prints mounted on wood that liven up a bookshelf, mantle or office cubicle and are just a perfect gift. Very affordable and unique. All, of course, of my original artwork. 

Always working and learning….

 Signed up this year for Paint Your Heart and Soul 2023 class. There are 50 different lessons and 25 different teachers. I love the exposure to different artists and their techniques. I try to do most of the lessons for the techniques and mediums but I do individualize the subject matter and compositions because that is just who I am.  I love the opportunity to just not have a goal for a piece other than learning and exploration. these are done in a sketchbook sometimes or just-on paper. They are not precious and that is what makes them fun.

Music

 Working small equals more posts. This is a 9x12 on canvas. It will take me two sessions normally, so that equates to two days.  I am pretty sure it is done but there is always a possibility of tweaking…..it is a strong piece IMHO visually.  Now I need to do some eBay stuff so I can fill the coffers. Later—

‘Duet’

 Starting  a new sub-series..if that is even a real thing! These works will be on paper and all 11x14, acrylic paint and mixed mediums. They will have to to do with music and song. Hopefully-My ‘behold the Night’ paintings should show perfectly with these.  These smaller ones will be for sale on Etsy. Enjoy-di

“The Night Out”

 

This is the eighth piece of the ‘Behold the Night’ series. There will probably only be two more pieces. One of those will definitely be a musician-maybe both and they will be smaller. The series will be shown in Knoxville in June, more info as we get closer. 

This piece is collage and painting. The collage was the basis for the graffiti walls and I went from there. It is 24”x24”. I would say it depicts a slow mid-week night.

Black Tie Affair

 

7th piece of the ‘Behold the Night’ series. I have a real love/hate going with this series. I doubt them as I am doing them and then when I put them all together they sing….so I embrace the old adage- my job is to create…the world can judge. 2-3 more paintings and the series will be done. It has taken me probably a year to get the six pieces done ( note one piece is 36x48). Not working exclusively on just this series but believe me time is invested in these.  They will be showing in June at the Emporium in Knoxville.

Honored to be selected for the cover!

 

Feel so honored to be selected for the cover of volume 8 of Women Speak.  This magazine has wonderful short stories, prose and poetry.  The quality of the writing will engage you and expand you.  Well worth your time. 

Ahhh, the Holiday Season…

I really was not planning on doing this BUT!, there are people that I just want to do a little something for this holiday season. So now, when I need to finish a painting for an exhibit in the month of January, I am wanting to make a plethora of ornaments.  To be honest-the ornaments are more fun. And when choosing between fun or not so fun…fun usually wins.  So now my goal is thirty of these, this week- no problem, she says….

 

The glamorous path to fame ….

 

A holiday trunk show at the local art center! Bread and butter, small items, prints and pillows…..all in the search for recognition.  Maybe a bit embarrassing in the fine art world-but it is what it is!  Had great sales tonight and sold an original.  No complaints - I love the journey.  A sliver of my life in an 8’x8’ space…now onward to tomorrow..

“Magic in the Stars”

 

Lately, I have been drawn to stars-especially a wand with a star top and ribbons.  To me the star represents magic. Not magic as in spells etc., but the magic and joy of life.  So a star is a great thing and meant to share.  So I am sharing with you. Love-Sigh….

This is a smaller piece (11x14) on paper and will be on eBay.

“Diva in the Spotlight”

 

Titling this one, “Diva in the Spotlight”.  The mood is hot and sultry so it fits in perfectly with my ‘Behold the Night’ series.  I was inspired by a photograph by a former student of mine (#elementaleyesphotography).  Hopefully, I caught the moment in my painting just as she (Sandy Holmes) did in her photograph.

A Magical Walk in the Woods

 

A small 11x14 piece, acrylic on paper. This piece is just oozing with layers of color and of course, magic! It is for sale on eBay. I often put smaller works that are not part of a series or body of work on eBay.  So just search Difergi and you will find it. 😊 

Girls Night Out

 

Nothing like a “Girls’ Night Out” for my ‘behold the night’ series.  Jury is out on this one right now.  As always there is a lot going on in the background! Do not want to bore my viewers…enjoy!

“Behold the Nite”

 

New piece in the new series for a Show next June. I am having a lot of fun with these. Keep watching👍…

“Party Nite”

 Third in my series about night life…this one is full of fun and joy. A lot to notice in this one!

I will be showing this series in June in Knoxville. I plan to have at least eight pieces in the series-so back to work.

No title yet!

 

This is a fun smaller piece (11x14) acrylic on paper. It is suppose to represent beginnings, boldness and wisdom.  Who knew! Not sure it does all that but I find it charming. There is just something about it that warms my heart. 

Had fun today…

 

I had fun today.  This is my favorite type of imagery to paint. Colorful and imaginative faces always surprise and delight me.  They are what I need to incorporate into my paintings more.  I know, I know, I am working on it.

I am posting just to check in so that you know I have not fallen off the face of the earth. Behind the scenes, I am working on a series that I am calling-Behold the Night.  It has to do with some imaginary clubbing and I will be showing it next June and hopefully more than just then.

So hello and good bye…I will keep in touch. Hugs!

Exciting news…

 

Wait for it….coming soon…Collectible ART BLOCKS!! Small art blocks, just the right size for bookshelves, office desks and all sorts of spaces. Currently in production phase but will be ready in October. These will be available in my ETSY store and in retail stores in the area. Very affordable and they make great gifts.  Stay tuned…

Studio space….

 This is where the small magic happens! Anything up to 11”x17”happens here.  

We have been in this house for about a year and a half and this studio space is just now feeling like home.  The studio is a long, narrow walk out basement.  This picture is the end of the room with (the bad news) the only windows and a beautiful view of Tennessee rolling hills (the good news). The mid section of the room is set up with an easel for large paintings and the far end is computer and storage. There are also tables for utilitarian and sometimes crazy projects.

Periodically, I straighten everything up and have to take a picture….as in today

“Saturday Night “

 

This is a companion piece to ‘2am’ and I am calling it ‘Saturday Night’. Part of me really is tempted to put a crown on her head but I am going with the old adage that you get dressed up and then take one piece off. Wouldn’t want to overdress her…lol. 

Next piece of the series will have a winged person..I think. One never knows when you are painting because the paintings have opinions of their own……

Enjoy…di

Still working on the studio

 

Since I am not going to barbecue in my walk out basement studio-the barbecue hood came down and custom shelving will be built and inserted👍. Very excited..it took us a solid year to find some one to remove the metal hood as it was embedded in brick…but score one for the team and we move forward…

Work in progress…

 Do not usually post uncompleted work on my blog (that I do on Instagram #difergiart), but I haven’t posted lately and don’t want you-my peeps, thinking I am a sloth!

This is going slowly for two reasons. One, it has a lot of detail involved. Two, it doesn’t have to be done until the end of August. I also have been doing some side art smalls that take time! That is kinda of number three, and now I am officially whining…lol.

Bottom line, I am liking where this is going-stay tuned…

My image was selected!

 

So excited. This image was selected by Friday Health Plans to be used on their promotional materials for the state of Tennessee. The company held a national competition and selected one artist’s work for each of the eleven states in which they do business.  Mine is, of course, for the state of Tennessee.  I chose to include In my piece, the Cherokee mountains and our state flower, the iris.

It is an honor for my work to be selected.

“The Gift”

 

I love it when a painting names itself! The title for this piece was obvious to me. Hopefully, to you also.

This piece seems to be, as always, narrative but also a bit ‘sentimental’…not sure that is a good thing. Perhaps, in these divisive times my soul is searching for harmony and the art is reflecting that.